to the extent one is capable of performing them. A person prostrating must reach the ground, for that is the fullest extent to which the act can be performed; there is no endpoint short of that except when one has a valid excuse. From the moment a person begins to bend, he has begun the act of prostration, whether he prostrates from standing or from sitting. The beginning of prostration should therefore be precisely defined on that basis: he should prostrate from a standing or sitting posture, rather than beginning his prostration from an already bent posture. The latter would prevent it, so far as possible, from being a measured and delimited act. Once this is obligatory, fully straightening after bowing and between the two prostrations is likewise obligatory.

Moreover, this completes the bowing and prostration.

Moreover, since the acts of prayer are measured, they must possess some measure, and that is the requisite stillness. One who pecks like a crow gives his act no measure whatsoever, for the measure and extent of a thing add something beyond its mere existence. Hence, an everlasting thing is said to be immeasurable. Measure does not pertain to the slightest movement, but to a movement having some duration.

Moreover, Allah, Glorious and Exalted, has commanded us to establish the prayer. To establish something is to make it stand upright, and what stands upright is straight and balanced. The acts of prayer must therefore be steady and balanced. This can be achieved only when each of their parts is held and allowed to settle, and that entails stillness. One who pecks like a crow has not properly established the prostration, and his prostration is incomplete if he does not remain still and settle into it. The same applies to one who bows.

This is made clear by the report in the two Sahīhs from Qatāda, from Anas ibn Mālik—may Allah be pleased with him—who said: The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Straighten your rows, for straightening the row is part of perfecting the prayer.” They both also narrated it through Abd al-Azīz ibn